Today, Hermosa is a predominantly Hispanic blue collar community, with a sizable manufacturing base. Many of the people who reside in Hermosa have done so because of its convenient location to work, its relative proximity to downtown, and because of its healthy public transportation options. The Consulate-General of Honduras in Chicago[4] is located in Hermosa at 4439 West Fullerton Avenue.

The Hermosa area originated as one of the many suburban crabgrass communities of Jefferson Township.[5] The first verifiable proof of European settlement in the area occurred in the early 1880s after railroads where constructed through the area.[6] In 1872, an extension of the Chicago and Pacific Rail Road was extended, passing through Hermosa from east to west.[6] One of the first settlers was named Mr. Lathman, who built his house in the spring of 1882.[5] In the same year, James F. Keeney, who owned much of the land that now comprises Hermosa, started building a number of houses within his subdivision.[5] In 1884, the first large scale successful industrial enterprise, the Laminated Wood Company, was founded.[7] In 1886 several other factories were also established such as the Expanded Metal Company, the Eclipse Furnace Company, and a warehouse belonging to the Washburn and Moen Manufacturing Company.[7] The Keeney Company actively promoted the growth of Hermosa and ultimately helped convince the railroad to build a station in the area, which Mr. Kenney constructed at his own expense.[5] By 1884, there were 30 houses and 150 people living in Hermosa,[8] most of these original settlers were Scotch, German and Swedish immigrants.[9] The first schools and churches were established in the area in the late 1880s and 1890s.[8]

A typical block in Hermosa

The first name for Hermosa was likely “Pacific,” but there is no verifiable record to prove this.[6] The first official name for the area was Garfield, in honor of the late president.[6] In 1885 the name of the town was changed to Hermosa for the reason of establishing a post office at Kenney’s rail station—there already was a post office named Garfield and the name could not be duplicated.[5] A Mr. Peebles, secretary to the superintendent of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Rail Road, is credited with suggesting the name Hermosa, which means beautiful in Spanish.[6]

In the fall of 1889, Hermosa was annexed into the City of Chicago. The area grew slowly throughout the remainder of the 19th century and was mostly characterized by the construction of simple worker’s cottages,[10] but began to see rapid growth in the first two decades of the 20th century.[11] Streetcars were extended through the community along Armitage Avenue in 1895, Fullerton Avenue in 1914, and Belmont Avenue in 1917.[9] The Hermosa Improvement Association was organized in 1912 for the purpose of securing needed improvements including a park.[6] The organization is primarily responsible for the establishment of Hermosa Park. By 1920 Hermosa had swelled to over 15,000 residents.[9] Hermosa went through a building boom during this decade; most of the area neighborhood of Kelvyn Park was built out during this decade and was composed mostly of brick bungalows and two-flats.[11] In addition, the remaining open land in southern Hermosa was built out and filled with brick bungalows, two- and three-flats, and smaller 5+ unit apartment buildings.[11] With Hermosa being surrounded by railroad tracks on three sides, industrial development continued to occur along these railroad tracks and along industrial spurs throughout the 1920s. One of the more notable industrial players was the Schwinn Bicycle Company, which had its headquarters and manufacturing base in Hermosa at 1718 N. Kildare Ave. & 1856 N. Kostner Ave, respectively.[12] Schwinn had facilities in Hermosa from 1895-1982.[13] The railroads also created many dead-end streets in Hermosa, which isolated residents geographically from surrounding communities, but also created a sense of security.[7] By the end of the 1920s, Hermosa’s infrastructure and building stock was nearly completely built out, representing much of the community as it exists today.[11] Indeed, the average media age of a home in Hermosa (in 2012) dates back to 1919, with nearly 63% of the structures in the community having been built before 1940.[2]

By the 1930s Hermosa’s population had grown to over 23,500 residents. The area was populated primarily by Germans, Scandinavians with newer groups of Poles, Hungarians, and Austrians.[9] After an expansive period, Hermosa’s population began to decline, most prominently in the 1950s and 1960s.[9] By the 1960s, Puerto Ricans had become the largest ethnicity in the area.[8] By 1980, the population had decreased below 20,000 with over a third of the population being Hispanic.[9] In 1980, Hermosa was still principally a white community of mostly older Polish, German and Irish ethnicities.[9] The decade of the 1980s proved to be a monumental one for Hermosa, however, transforming the area into a mostly Hispanic community.[9]

In the 1980s, Hermosa’ population swelled dramatically and the ethnic composition shifted radically, changing from one-thirds Hispanic to two-thirds Hispanic by the end of the decade.[9] Puerto Ricans remained the largest ethnic group, with a large Mexican community also establishing roots in the area.[9] Most of the Hispanic population growth was concentrated in the areas south of Fullerton during the 1980s.[15] The average size of households jumped dramatically in this decade, with large increases in the population of children 13 years or younger.[9] Total population increased by 3,500 in the 1980s. Families in poverty increased during this time with a 17.4% poverty rate in 1989 and an unemployment rate of 10.9% in 1990.[7] The percentage of overcrowded housing doubled in Hermosa to more than 10% (up from 4%).[9] The housing situation deteriorated starting in the 1970s-1980s, with Hermosa having the second lowest number of housing repairs among the 77 communities.[11] The first appearance of gang violence also appeared in Hermosa in the 1980s.[9] Several organizations were created during this time including the United Neighbors in Action (1982) which primarily fought against a proposed increase in subsidized housing in the area.[7] Neighbors joined together to stop crime and gang violence. The Kelvyn Ken-Well Community Organization and the Hermosa Community Organization were two successful community organizations created during this time to combat crime. In 1992, nearly 800 neighbors marched from Kelvyn Park to Hanson Park to protest the continued presence of gangs.[9]

The sustained increases in population helped Hermosa reach an all-time historical high of nearly 27,000 residents in 2000, making Hermosa one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Chicago at the time. By 2000, Hermosa had become 84% Hispanic, up from 68% in 1990.[7] Issues of overcrowding and gang violence started to subside in the 1990s.

While Hermosa’s housing stock remained mostly buildings built prior to the 1940s many renovations and rehabs have occurred which have improved the housing stock in recent decades.[11] In recent years Hermosa has seen some gentrification as surrounding areas, such as Logan Square and Avondale, have started to see rising housing prices and business activity. Hermosa is among the top 10 Chicago communities with the fastest increasing housing prices, with home prices having increased 33% since 2012-2014.[16] Violent crime has subsided (in 2012 there were 5.9 violent annual crimes per 1,000 residents in Hermosa) and is now on par with the surrounding communities of Logan Square (5.5) and Avondale (5.1) and has a much lower crime rate than that of neighboring Humboldt Park (15.5), or within Chicago as a whole (10.08).[16] Crime remains more problematic in Hermosa when compared to Belmont-Cragin (4.7) or Irving Park (4.7), however.[16][17]

As of the 2010 census there were 25,010 people and 7,070 households residing in the Hermosa community area. The population density was 21,386 people per square mile, with an average household size of 3.5.[2] 8.4% of people in Hermosa live in crowded households, nearly twice the general Chicago figure.[18] The racial makeup of the Hermosa community area was 7.9% non-Hispanic White, 0.8% non-Hispanic Black, 0.4% non-Hispanic Asian, and 0.3% non-Hispanic some other race. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 90.5% of the population. The vast majority of the population is made up of Mexicans and Puerto Ricans.[2]

Of the 7,070 occupied housing units in Hermosa, approximately 43.9% are owner occupied, while the other 56.1% is renter occupied. Average median home values in Hermosa were $266,238 as of 2012.[2]

Approximately 35.5% (8,885) of the residents in Hermosa are foreign born, which far exceeds the city’s 21.0% overall foreign born population.[19] 71.8% of the foreign born population in Hermosa is from Mexico (6,384), with Guatemala (10.7%/ 953) and Ecuador (3.8%/ 343) rounding out the top three countries of origin.[20] 23.4% (5,879) of Hermosa residents are not U.S. citizens, while 11.9% (3,006) are naturalized citizens.[20] There are an estimated 4,114 undocumented immigrants living in the Hermosa community area according to a study commissioned by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.[21]

The median household income in Hermosa was $41,103, which is below the median household income of Chicago as a whole, at $47,270.[2][19] While the median household income is much lower than the overall city’s, only 19.9% of households in Hermosa live below the poverty level, which is less than the City of Chicago’s 22.6% poverty rate.[19][20] Even so, 26% of households in Hermosa are paying 50% or more of their income on housing, according to Census data.[22]

UIC’s Gentrification Index classifies the Hermosa community area as a geographic region that has experienced ‘moderate decline’ over the period 1970 to 2010.[23]

Located 6 miles northwest of the Loop, Hermosa’s borders are mostly defined by railroad tracks and embankments. The Metra Milwaukee District / West Line forms Hermosa’s southernmost border, at Bloomingdale Ave (1880 N).[24] The westernmost border is Cicero Ave. (4800 W.) while the easternmost is the Metra Milwaukee District / North Line. Hermosa’s northern most border is Belmont Ave (3200 N.) Zip codes: 60639, 60641, and 60647.

While Hermosa is the namesake for the general community area, Hermosa as a community is generally defined as being the tract of land south of Fullerton (2400 N) to Bloomingdale Ave (1800 N), west of the Milwaukee District/North Line, and east of Cicero Ave (4800 W).[25] Zip codes: 60639, 60647. Unofficially, Hermosa is generally recognized as bounded by the land north of North Ave (1600 N) and west of Pulaski Ave (4000 W).[5]

As of 2014, the majority of Hermosa was located within the boundaries of the 31st ward and the 30th ward.[27] A controversial aldermanic remap[28] has left the Hermosa community area relegated to 4 wards; with the majority of the community still located within the 31st Ward. Hermosa is also located within the 35th ward, 26th ward, and 36th ward starting in 2015. The aldermanic remap has left the Hermosa community area politically fractured.

Hermosa is the birthplace of Walt Disney, born on December 5, 1901. The house Walt was born in was designed and built by his father and mother, Elias Disney and Flora Call Disney, in 1893. The home is located at the corner of Tripp Avenue and Palmer Avenue at 2156 North Tripp Avenue, formerly 1249 Tripp Avenue. The home was sold in 2013.[30] The new owners intended to restore the home and hope to obtain landmark status for the structure.[31][32] The City of Chicago attempted to designate the structure as a Historic Landmark in 1991, but the owner of the property at the time fought the designation.[33][34] Brent Young, Dina Benadon, and Todd Regan, the Executive Director, are currently raising funds to repair the siding, install restoration windows and paint the structure.[34][35][36][37]

One of the most notable structures in Hermosa is the St. Philomena Catholic Church, which is located on 1921 N. Kedvale Ave. The church was founded in 1894. Pritzker College Prep is located within the St. Philomena campus.

St. Paul Congregational United Church of Christ, established in 1900, and located on 2257 N. Keeler has the notable distinction of being the location of Walt Disney’s childhood baptism.[38] Today, St. Paul is known as Iglesia Evangelica Bautista Betania.

Industry is a notable component of the built environment in Hermosa. Some 25.7% of all the general land use in Hermosa is for industrial use and 68.6% of all the available employment within the community comes from industry.[2] With nearly 2,500 available manufacturing jobs, Hermosa is a decidedly blue collar community with manufacturing being the number one industry sector of employment for residents in Hermosa at 14.8% of total employment.[2]

Kelvyn Park High School is a CPS 4-year high school, with 933 students attending.[39] Kelvyn Park High is currently being converted into a 7-12 grade school to compensate for the loss of Ames Middle School which is currently being converted into the Marine Math and Science Academy.[40] The conversion of Ames is considered controversial among community stakeholders and is currently being contested.[41]

North-Grand High School is a CPS 4-year high school, with 926 students attending.[42]

William Penn Nixon Elementary School is a CPS PK-6 grade school, with 1,061 students attending.[43]

Barry Elementary School is a CPS PK-6 grade school, with 838 students attending.[44]

McAuliffe Elementary School is a CPS PK-8 grade school with 678 students attending.[45]

Pritzker College Prep is a public four-year charter high school, with 858 students attending.[46] Before turning into a charter in 2006, Pritzker was known as the St. Philomena School. Philomena School was closed in 2005, along with 23 other Catholic elementary schools in mostly African American and Latino communities.[47]

Kelvyn Park is part of the Chicago Park District. It is located at 4438 W. Wrightwood Avenue. At eight and one-half acres, Kelvyn Park is the largest park in the Hermosa community area. The park offers two walking paths, two softball fields, a combination football/soccer field, a basketball court, a volleyball court, two tennis courts, horseshoe courts, plus a playground and spray pool. A large field house located on premises offers a fitness center, gymnasium, auditorium, several meeting rooms, and a small kitchen.[48]

Hermosa Park is a part of the Chicago Park District. It is located 2240 N. Kilbourn Ave. Hermosa Park is a little over four acres. The Park features two walking paths, one senior and two junior baseball fields, one softball field, a combination football/soccer field, a basketball court, a volleyball court and a playground with spray pool.[49]

Ken-Well Park.

Ken-Well Park is a part of the Chicago Park District. It is located at 2945 N. Kenosha Ave. Ken-Well Park is a small three acre park. The park features a junior baseball field, a softball field, a combination football/soccer field, a basketball court, and a playground with a spray pool. The park's name combines those of the two adjacent streets, Kenosha Avenue and Wellington Street.[50]

Keystone Playlot Park is part of the Chicago Park District. It is located at 1653 N. Keystone Ave. The park, along with the street, are named after Pennsylvania, long known as the "Keystone State."[51]

The southeastern most edge of Hermosa is within a quarter mile walking distance of the western most edge of the Bloomingdale Trail. The city recently announced that the western most trailhead would receive a ground-level 4 acre park planned on the current site of the Magid Glove Factory. The park will be called Ridgeway Trailhead.

^ abcdefKarlen, Harvey M. (1992). .Chicago's Crabgrass Communities: A History of the Independent Suburbs and Their Post Offices That Became Part of Chicago. Chicago, IL: Collectors' Club of Chicago. p. "Hermosa." 201–04. ISBN9780916675042.

^ abcdefHermosa On The Eve of The Second World's Fair 1933: A History of Hermosa to Date 1930. Chicago, IL: Hermosa Improvement Association. 1930.|access-date= requires |url= (help)